Uber India gets aggregator licence to operate buses in Delhi

Each shuttle vehicle will be able to accommodate 19-50 passengers and will be operated by local fleet partners using Uber's technology.

Ride hailing app Uber has been granted an aggregator licence by the Delhi Transport Department to operate buses in the national capital under the Delhi Premium Bus Scheme.

Commuters will be able to pre-book seats up to a week in advance, track the live location and route of the bus, and view its expected time of arrival (ETA) by choosing the 'Uber Shuttle' option on the share mobility player's app.

Each shuttle vehicle will be able to accommodate 19-50 passengers and will be operated by local fleet partners using Uber's technology.

The formal launch of Uber Shuttle, a bus service tailored for daily commuting needs, brings to fruition a pilot programme that was initially tested in Delhi-NCR and has been operational in Kolkata since last year under an MoU with the West Bengal government, according to the company.

"Delhi becomes the first state to award a licence for bus operations and Uber becomes the first aggregator to be granted a licence under the Delhi Premium Bus scheme," Uber India said in a statement.

Last week, it was reported that Ride hailing platforms Uber and Aaveg have reportedly got a licence from the Delhi transport department to operate "premium bus service" in the city.

"Following a successful pilot programme, where we witnessed significant demand for buses, we are thrilled to officially introduce the convenience of Uber rides to buses in Delhi," Uber Shuttle India head Amit Deshpande said.
Customers will be able to pre-book seats on their preferred route.

Official from the Transport Department, Government of Delhi, said, "The Government of Delhi stays committed to improving public transport services and diversifying available transportation options to streamline commuting for Delhiites."